Introduction
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a public health challenge that affects millions of people living in rural, impoverished, and ecologically fragile environments worldwide. Climate change alters habitats and increases human–vector contact, and yet those least responsible for environmental degradation suffer the greatest health impacts. Snakebite, one of the 21 NTDs, predominantly affects rural agricultural workers, women, and children, a population already disadvantaged by poverty, inequity, and limited health infrastructure.
Malawi situation
Malawi, a country in southern Africa with a population of 20 million, is prone to disasters, including flooding and droughts. The country is experiencing heavy deforestation due to limited energy options and its high poverty levels. In Malawi, climate variability and land-use change increase human–snake contact; however, little is known about snakebite burden.
Snakebite work in Malawi
We conducted three studies in Neno and Mwanza districts, southern Malawi and found poor healthcare worker knowledge, scarce medical supplies, and reliance on traditional medicine for snakebite treatment. In response, we trained 200 healthcare workers, procured, and distributed antivenom in the two districts with support from Partners In Health and the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine. Nevertheless, the true burden of the disease for the entire country of Malawi remains unclear, including how it has evolved over time and whether it varies across regions with different climatic conditions.
A call to action
To tackle snakebite and NTDs in Malawi, we need to empower communities, equip health facilities with essential medical supplies, and combat climate-driven health inequities.
